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Teletype Operator Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Teletype Operator information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$26

$50

How much do teletype operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for teletype operator in Washington, DC is $26.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a teletype operator?

Teletype Operators are professionals who operate teletype machines, which are electromechanical typewriters used for sending and receiving typed messages over telecommunication lines. Their primary responsibilities include typing messages accurately, transmitting and receiving communications, and ensuring the correct routing of messages. Teletype Operators were crucial in various industries, particularly in news agencies, military communications, and transportation before the advent of modern digital communication systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a teletype operator?

To excel as a Teletype Operator, you need strong typing accuracy, attention to detail, and basic literacy, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with teletype machines, telecommunication systems, and possibly basic computer skills is necessary. Reliability, good communication, and the ability to work under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate and timely transmission of messages, which is critical for efficient information flow in settings like newsrooms or military operations.

What are some common challenges faced by teletype operators in a modern workplace?

Teletype Operators often encounter challenges related to maintaining accuracy and speed under tight deadlines, especially when handling high volumes of incoming and outgoing messages. Additionally, adapting to updated communication technologies and integrating traditional teletype equipment with digital systems can require ongoing training and flexibility. Collaboration with other departments, such as technical support and management, is essential to ensure smooth information flow and troubleshoot any equipment issues promptly. Staying organized and attentive to detail is crucial to prevent errors and ensure clear, reliable communication.

What is the difference between Teletype Operator vs Data Entry Clerk?

AspectTeletype OperatorData Entry Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic typing skillsHigh school diploma, proficiency in data management software
Work EnvironmentTelecommunications or office setting, operating teletype machinesOffice environment, inputting data into computer systems
Industry UsageTelecommunications, news agencies, governmentBusiness, healthcare, finance sectors
Common Search/ComparisonTeletype Operator vs Data Entry Clerk

The Teletype Operator primarily operated teletype machines for transmitting written messages, often in telecommunications or news agencies. In contrast, Data Entry Clerks focus on inputting and managing data within computer systems across various industries. While both roles require typing skills and attention to detail, the Teletype Operator's work is more hardware-focused, whereas Data Entry Clerks work mainly with digital data. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in related fields.

What are popular job titles related to Teletype Operator jobs in Washington, DC?

For Teletype Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Teletype Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Teletype Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Teletype Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,910 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Police Communications Operator II

Anne Arundel County

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$54K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Anne Arundel County rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

778th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Work involves serving as non-sworn first responders to include responsibility for operating telephone, teletype, two-way radio, and related communications equipment and for performing related clerical tasks. These positions require fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages from and to police vehicles and personnel.

Work is performed independently within departmental and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports. Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for NEW Anne Arundel County Police Communications Operators. NOTE: $2,500 will be paid upon successful hire and classroom training, and $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment.

In addition to the $5,000 hiring bonus for NEW Anne Arundel County Police Communications Operators, applicants with prior experience within the past two (2) years as a "9-1-1- Specialist"** as determined in the Annotated Code of Maryland Public Safety Article Title 1-301(n); and who has successfully completed a "Basic Telecommunicator Course" *** are eligible for an additional $2,500 bonus upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment. Documentation**** for the successful completion of the course is required prior to hire. **A "9-1-1- Specialist" can be defined as an employee of a county public safety answering point, or an employee working in a county public safety answering point, whose duties and responsibilities include: (1) receiving and processing 9-1-1 requests for emergency services; (2) other support functions directly related to 9-1-1 requests for emergency services; or (3) dispatching law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, emergency medical services, and other public safety services to the scene of an emergency.

***"Basic telecommunicator course" means dealing with the basic skills required to function as a call taker or call allocator in a communications center. ****Prior experience will be determined upon possession of the below certifications that are current or within the two (2) year window. 1.

National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Communications Course (ETC) 2. National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Medical, Fire or Police Dispatch protocols certification 3. NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies course 4.

APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I course 5. State mandated certification COME JOIN US AT THE OPEN HOUSE. Candidates who are interested in applying, or have applied, are highly encouraged to attend the 911 Communications Recruitment VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE.

The Virtual Open House will be held hourly on the following dates/times: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Monday, October 19, 2026 All weekday times are : Session #1 : 1600 - 1645 hours (4:00p - 4:45p) Session #2 : 1700 - 1745 hours (5:00p - 5:45p) Session #3 : 1800 - 1845 hours (6:00p - 6:45p) You MUST register for a Virtual Open House session in advance. Tuesday, September 8, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/gfOQuP_-RgGSMHBjaWF2OA#/registration Tuesday, September 22, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/QYgmvl9ZQAiytHkXYUx9EA#/registration Monday, October 19, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/AY-8o6f6S5mSzhgE-p0MLw#/registration Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class)

Dispatches police patrol cars and officers; maintains accurate accounts of the location of patrol cars; assists police officers in locating streets and addresses; maintains radio dispatch records; and answers incoming radio calls from police units. Receives and relays police information requested to the FBI, State Police, local and out-of-state police departments, and various other law enforcement agencies; Obtains by computer information requested by patrol officers such as license plate checks for stolen cars and checks for wanted persons by name and date of birth. Notifies ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, and the Fire Department when necessary.

Operates two-way radios, teletype machines, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, and related communications equipment. Makes entries into, and deletions from, automated files utilizing proper NCIC and MILES procedures. Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports.

Serves as a non-sworn first responder. Using headset and telephone, listens to information and requests for police assistance made via 911 emergency lines; talks with citizens on 911 telephone lines to obtain information about an emergency situation. Uses a computer terminal to enter detailed information about calls for services.

Work requires shift work and overtime. Performs related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways.

Basic knowledge of police functions and operations, relevant laws, and statutes related to communications. Ability to quickly learn the operation of teletype, radio, and other communications equipment in the communications center. Ability to speak clearly and concisely with a well-modulated voice so as to provide understandable information to police officers, citizens, and other involved agencies.

Ability to maintain records and perform routine clerical work. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees. Ability to operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information.

Ability to understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations. Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school or a GED Two (2) or more years of work experience with multi-faceted responsibilities One (1) or more years of experience of data entry keyboard functions Note: The two (2) or more years of work experience with multi-faceted responsibilities may be substituted with two (2) or more years of college or university education, equal to 60 or more college credit hours. Note: Experience of data entry keyboard functions is defined as any electronic input, including but not limited to Computer Entry, Phone Entry, Tablet Entry, and other related electronic keyboarding input.

SELECTION PROCEDURES: Applicants will need to follow any or all of the following the procedures listed below: Applicants will complete the online application. Once the announcement closes, those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to take an aptitude (CritiCall) test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills. An email will be sent with instructions to take the aptitude (CritiCall) test.

Applicants who are successful with the aptitude (CritiCall) test will be invited to begin the initial background check and oral interview. Applicants who are successful with the oral interview are highly encouraged to attend a 2-hour call taking observation period and/or a 2-hour dispatch observation period at the 911 Communications Center. Applicants who are successful with the initial background check and oral interview will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.

Applicants who successfully pass the comprehensive background investigation may receive a conditional offer of employment with Anne Arundel County Communications Section. Supplemental Qualifications An observation at the 911 Communications Center is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED of candidates who successfully complete the interview process; this will consist of a 2-hour call taking observation period and/or a 2-hour dispatch observation period. Candidates must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays, and call back.

This is a continuous 24 hour/365 day operation. This position is safety sensitive and employees in these positions are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS, EMPLOYEES HIRED AT THE MINIMUM RATE OF PAY FOR THE GRADE RECEIVE A 9% INCREASE FOR SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE. Employees in this classification are also eligible to receive longevity pay. An employee who completes continuous service with the County in the Police Communications Operator II classification will receive the following: 7 years of continuous service with the County - 5% increase of the current rate of pay 11 years of continuous service with the County - 10% increase of the current rate of pay 16 years of continuous service with the County - 15% increase of the current rate of pay 22 years of continuous service with the County - 18% increase of the current rate of pay TESTING CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for October 26, 2026, through November 6, 2026.

The CritiCall test is available online (remotely). You can access/complete the test from any computer that is fully compatible with the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. If you cannot complete the test remotely, please email Eric Stewart-Craig at pestew23@aacounty.org or call at (410) 222-7595 to make arrangements to take the CritiCall test onsite (in-person) at Anne Arundel County Government's Office of Personnel located at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

You must present a valid photo identification, preferably a driver's license, at check-in. Applicants without valid identification, regardless of reason, will not be permitted. Click here to access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide.

Keep up with us by following/liking our Facebook page. Check out the Police Communications Operator page on Anne Arundel County's website.


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